Caring for carpet

Personally I love carpet-I always have. Especially now that I have a little one who is wobbling and toddling about-carpet makes a much softer landing than almost any other type of flooring. Carpet however can be a dust and soil collector if it is not properly maintained. 


Carpet care begins with:

1. Regular vacuuming-vacuuming carpet 3 times a week to daily is the best way to keep the surface dirt from sinking into the roots of the carpet. Carpet should be cleaned more if there are children or pets in the home-not as frequently if there is less traffic.

2. Re-arranging traffic patterns-carpet will soil and wear down where it is trodden on the most, so to keep it looking fresh, it is wise to re-arrange furniture where possible to redirect where people put their feet.

3. Protect carpet (all floor types for that matter) by not wearing shoes in the house, having rugs outside and inside doors can cut down on the amount of dirt coming in the house.

4. Change A/C filters regularly. Dust blows through dirty filters and sticks to walls, furniture and carpets.

5. Spot clean-if something spills or falls-clean it up immediately. My favorite carpet stain remover is Resolve. I have yet to come across anything it doesn't remove. It even got grape juice out of the carpet like magic.

6. A fabric deodorizer sprayed on carpets gives the carpet a fresh smell and protects against stains. Do not use powdered deodorizers because the crystals never vacuum up 100% and can build up in the carpet leaving a greasy feel.

7. Once a year it is a good idea to get carpets cleaned professionally. The professional equipment can remove difficult stains and soils as well as rooted dirt.